Lightproof fabric for window shades and the like



Dec. 13, 1932' w. cLAlR 1,890,869

LIGHTPROQF FABRIC FOR WINDOW SHADES AND THE LIKE Filed July 30, 1952 IZ/Z MLL/AM M J7? CLA/e UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE WILLIAM M. STLCLAIR,OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS LIGHTPROOF FABRIC FOR WINDQW SHADES AND THE LIKEApplication filed July so, 1932.

This invention relates, generally, to lightproof fabrics. Itmoreespecially relates to such fabrics as are intended for use as windowcurtains in hospital and laboratory X- ray rooms, photographers darkrooms, and similar places from which it is essential that all outsidelight be excluded.

In the provision of a light proof fabric of this nature, intendedprimarily for window curtain use, there are two points other than lightimpenetrability that are highly important. Firstthe fabric, in orderthat it may be wrapped about a curtain roller, must be possessed ofgreat longitudinal flexibility. Second-the fabric, in order that it maywithstand continued usage, must be possessed of strength and durabilityand be so constructed that it will resist all tendency to fray, warp,crack,'or otherwise lose its necessary attribute of lightimpenetrability. This may be best accomplished by providing the fabricwith a degree of transverse strength and rigidity which will cooperatewith the longitudinal flexibility of the fabric to insure results of thegreatest value.

The object of this invention is to provide a lightproof fabric,especially suited for win dow curtain use, which will not only beimpervious to light but which will be possessed of great longitudinalflexibility and relatively great transverse rigidity.

With this object in View, the invention consists, in general, of thestructural characteristics and combination of parts illustrated in theaccompanying one sheet of drawing, completely described in the followingspecification, and specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawing, wherein like characters of reference indicate like partsin the several views Figure 1 is a face view, on an exaggerated scale,of a portion of light proof fabric constructed in accordance with, andembodying the principles of this invention.

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view, on

an even more exaggerated scale, on the line.

2-2 of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a similar view, on the same scale, on the line 33 of Figurel and Serial No. 626,883.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 and on the same scale, butillustrating a medi fied form of the invention.

The fabric illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 consists of a woven webhaving weft members 10 and warp members 11, and associated with abacking member 12.

The weft members 10 of the woven web may be of wood, wood fibre, reed ormetal. They are preferably substantially circular in cross section, asshown in Figure 8, and should be non-textile in nature.

The warp members 11 of the woven web may be of cotton, and preferablyare, but should be of textile material.

The backing member 12 which is associated with the woven web may be ofleather, imitation leather, leatherette, felt, or any similar material,preferably homogeneous in character.

It may be stated, in an explanatory manner only and not to be taken asimplying any limitation upon the scope of the invention, that highlysatisfactory and gratifying results have been attained in instanceswherein there has been utilized a wood fibre weft,

a cotton warp, and an imitation leather backing.

In the manufacture of fabric in accordance with this invention a wovenweb of wefts 10 and warps 11 is first produced. This web is then glued,cemented, or otherwise permanently secured to the backing member 12.

The resultant fabric will be light proof, g5 longitudinally flexible,and, relatively, laterally rigid. Thus there has been produced a fabricwhich embodies the principles of this invention, which is economical tomanufacture, and which is very eflicient for the purpose intended. I

In Figure 4 of the drawing there is illustrated a modification of theinvention wherein there is shown a fabric in which the nontextile weftmembers are substantially semicircular in cross section. Thisconstruction is desirable in certain instances wherein it may beadvantageous to provide a woven web having a relatively flat back uponwhich to attach and secure the backing member 12.

Many other modifications of construction will readily suggest themselvesto those skilled in the art, and it is to be understood that all changesin form, nature, and relation of parts differing from those defined inthe purely instructive and illustrative showing herein are contemplatedas forming a part of this invention and are reserved thereto in so faras they fall within the scope of the following claims.

I claim 1- 1. A fabric of the character described comprising a woven webhaving non-textile wefts and textile warps, and a flexible backingmember secured to such web.

2. A fabric of the character described comprising a woven Web havingwooden Wefts and textile warps, and a flexible backing member secured tosuch web.

3. A fabric of the character described co1nprising a woven web havingwood fibre wefts and textile warps, and a flexible backing membersecured to such web.

4. A fabric of the character described comprising a woven web havingreed Wefts and textile warps and a flexible backing member secured tosuch web.

5. A fabric of the character described comprising a woven web havingmetallic wefts and textile warps, and a flexible backing member securedto such web.

6. A fabric of the character described con1- prising a woven web havingrelatively rigid wef'ts and relatively flexible warps, and a flexiblebacking member secured to such web.

In testimony whereof, he afIiXes his signature.

WILLIAM M. ST. CLAIR.

